Linkbar

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

What’s the big fuss about President Obama wanting to give free contraceptive services to all female employees at religious organizations?

After objections from Catholics, evangelical Christians, Republicans and even some Democrats, Obama has changed his requirement. He now says that insurance companies, not religious organizations offering insurance coverage to their employees, must dole out contraceptive drugs and devices free of charge to all female employees.

Even if you’re not against contraceptives – here’s a clarification: Religious institutions are not “trying to forbid women’s rights” as accused. The issue is being forced to offer the services against their beliefs.

First, let’s talk finances: Religion aside, this isn’t just a provision to poor women. Across the board, Obamacare gives the services free to every single woman in the U.S., even if she can well afford her insurance co-payments.

Whether this burden is placed on employers or their insurance companies, employees’ insurance rates will surely increase to make up the cost. So women are paying for the items one way or another!

Now, for the denied religious exemption: Does the president’s new rule make any difference? Of course not. It still makes faith-based employers a partner to something they may not believe in. For example, most morning-after pills can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse. Since conception can occur just a few hours after intercourse, the pills might interrupt the beginning of a human life.

Democrats including Joe Lieberman (Conn.) who is Jewish, Joe Manchin (W. Va.), and Bob Casey (Penn.) have all come out against the mandatory HHS requirement and called for religious freedom from the regulation. Joining them in dissent is Tim Kaine, Obama’s former DNC chairman (sources: Politico & Fox News).

* Religious freedom and liberty of conscience are inalienable rights protected by the Declaration of Independence and the First Amendment of the Constitution.

* Conscience Protection clause: No guideline, regulation, or amendment to the Healthcare Act shall require any individual or entity to offer, provide, or purchase coverage for contraceptives, sterilization or related education if that individual or entity is opposed in their religious belief.

* The Healthcare Act shall not impose a fine, penalty, or other sanction, or otherwise disadvantage anyone because of a religiously-based decision not to offer or purchase coverage for contraception or sterilization, or to engage in government-mandated speech regarding such services.Following the president’s new decision, Rubio said in a CPAC speech:
“This is a constitutional issue… I know what the U.S. Constitution says about it. And what it is says is that federal government does not have the power to force religious organizations to pay for things that organization thinks is wrong.”

0
comments:

Post a Comment

Sheryl's Books

Book not currently available. Awaiting possible updates or new publisher.

"God, Am I Nobody?"

Do you struggle between what the world considers "Success" and what God wants to do with your life? Do you know someone who feels this way? Then this convenient little pocket-size devotional is for you!

Begin a whole new outlook on life in 17 days, or 17 short chapters reading at your own pace! It includes:

"What Every Christian Should Know about the Jewish People"

Book out-of-print. Contemplating revisions. See FREE excerpts about Judaism and the Jewish holidays at the link on the book cover!

Improving the Church's Relationship with God's Original Chosen Nation

Why should Christians care about Jewish People? What makes a person consider him or herself Jewish? How can "The Church" speak up for Israel's existence? And the often-debated question: Do Jewish people really need to be "converted"?- Discover the key to building bridges between these two faiths who believe in the same true God.

Followers

About the Writer

Journalist and author Sheryl Young shares a unique perspective on politics, entertainment, society, faith and life here at 20-20 Faith Sight; and has afforded other Christian & Messianic Jewish writers a chance to be seen.She's available to speak on her topics, and also for non-writing duties in the Christian realm of publishing and public relations.Contact: real_absolute_truth@yahoo.com.

More Info

Sheryl's writing has been seen in: Yahoo News, The Christian Post, The Underground OnlineChristian Magazine,Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Tampa Tribune, St. Pete Times and Florida Baptist Witness Newspapers; Better Nutrition and Today's Christian Woman Magazines; and more. Here are some Testimonials to her writing:

"I highly recommend God, Am I Nobody by Sheryl Young. I have learned so much from this book and read it in one weekend...In fact, I am reading it again... except this time as a weekly family devotional."May, 2012, Amazon.com reviewer (see more Amazon reviews here)

"Sheryl is one of the most dedicated and detail-oriented writers I have had the privilege to work with. Her focused attention to accuracy and relevancy has produced work that eclipses most mainstream outlets." June, 2011, Charles Reynolds, Freelance Journalist, Yahoo! News Contributor Network

"Sheryl is creative, hard-working and precise…she became our go-to person for deadline-driven pieces. You can count on quality from Sheryl. And she's a pleasure to work with." July, 2009, Rosemary Goudreau, Editorial Page Editor, Tampa Tribune.